NYK VENUS

Today we have the NYK Venus (IMO: 9312793, Port of Registry: Panama) featuring as the Ship of the Day. The NYK Venus is 338 meters long, almost 46 metres wide, has a gross tonnage of 97,825 tons and a TEU capacity of 8,600. She is propelled by a B&W 12K98ME engine which delivers approximately 87,000 horsepower. The vessel was built in 2007 by Hyundai Heavy industries and is equipped with the most advanced environmental safety measures, including an electronically controlled engine and a specialized hull structure to prevent fuel-oil leakage. The NYK Venus was the second ship of four identical NYK vessels which have been built between October 2006 and April 2007. Her sister vessels are: NYK Vega, NYK Vesta and NYK Virgo

The NYK Venus arrived this morning at the ECT Terminal coming from Jeddah, Saudi-Arabia on the Grand Alliance EU-4 loop. She will depart within 48 hours with destination Hamburg.

MSC MARIA ELENA

The MSC Maria Elena (IMO: 9304423, Port of Registry: Panama) was built in 2006 by Samsung Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries and is with its teu capacity of 9,200 one of the largest container vessels sailing and the biggest vessel of the Mediterranean Shipping Company. The ship is 336 meters long, 43 meters wide and has a deadweight tonnage of 110,000. The Maria Elena is currently sailing on the MSC's 'Silk Express', the Far East/China - Northwestern Europe route.

The MSC Maria Elena will enter Rotterdam this evening and will visit the ECT Delta Terminal. The vessel's last port of call was Felixstowe.

CHICAGO EXPRESS

The Chicago Express (IMO: 9295268, Port of Registry: Hamburg) is 336 metres long, 43 metres wide, has a maximum draught of 14.5 metres, a deadweight tonnage of 104,000 and a teu capacity of 8750. The containership was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea in 2006 and is currently owned by Hapag Lloyd, Germany for whom she is currently deployed on the EU3 service between China and Europe. Her sister vessels are the Kyoto Express and Colombo Express.

The Chicago Express is scheduled to enter the Port of Rotterdam later this evening with the last port of call at Hamburg. She will depart tomorrow with destination Port Kelang, Malaysia and will return to Rotterdam within two months.

ESTELLE MAERSK

The Estelle Maersk (IMO: 9321495, Port of Registry: Hellerup, Denmark) is, together with its sisters (amongst which are the 'Emma Maersk' and 'Eleonora Maersk'), the largest containership ever with a total teu capacity 11,000 teu (of which 1,000 forty foot reefer containers) according to the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group. A total capacity of 13,500 teu is also possible when containers are not fully loaded. This capacity is possible by stacking the containers in 22 rows wide. Maersk calculates the teu capacity with loaded containers. The vessel is 397 meters long, 56 meters wide, has a depth of 30 meters and a deadweigth of 156,907 tons. Amazingly, all this size and capacity requires a crew of only 13. The specially designed Wärtsilä diesel engine delivers 80,000 kW. A waste heat recovery system is installed to optimise the use of the energy produced, so that the engine can deliver up to 90,000 kW. The vessels in this series will also establish new standards for safety and environmental responsibility. Environmentally-safe silicone paint, for example, is used on the hull, below the water line, reducing water resistance, and thereby fuel consumption, by 1,200 tons per year. The ship was built by Odense Steel Shipyard Ltd in 2006.

The Estelle Maersk is scheduled to arrive later this morning at the APM terminal, Rotterdam from Algeciras. The vessel will then set sail for Bremerhaven on the APM AE1 line. She will return within about 7 weeks to Rotterdam.

NOORDHOEK SINGAPORE

The Noordhoek Singapore (IMO: 7606308, Port of Registry: Zierikzee, The Netherlands) is a multipurpose DPII diving support vessel complete with an air, mixed gas dive station and TUP Diving System®. The Singapore was built in 1977 by Shipyard De Waal, Zaltbommel, The Netherlands and upgraded in may 2001 to her current state. The vessel is 65 metres long, 14 metres wide and is propelled by two Bolnes engines which deliver a total of 4200 BHP. The ship is fitted with one F.P. tunnel bowthruster of 260 kW, one retractable azimuth bowthruster of 735 kW and one F.P. tunnel sternthruster of 260 kW. Furthermore, the ship is fitted with a 25 tonne telescopic Kenz crane and provides accomodation to a crew of 14 and 22 passengers. The dive station is located on starboard and is fitted with three hydraulically operated A-frames, two are fitted for man riding and the third is for tool basket or ROV handling.

The Noordhoek Singapore arrived this morning at the Waalhaven, Rotterdam.

ZHEN HUA 17

Photo by: D. Hazell

The Zhen Hua 17 (IMO: 8301955, Port of Registry: Kingstown, Saint Vincent and Grenadines) is a bridge crane and heavy equipment carrier operated by Shanghai Zhenhua Shipping Co., China. She was built in 1985 as the North Duchess by A/S Burmeister & Wain Shipyard, Copenhagen. The vessel is 225 metres long, 32 metres wide, has a maximum draught of 8.5 metres and a deadweight tonnage of 30126. The Zhen Hua 17 is one of the last Zhen Hua vessels to deliver a total of 76 cranes at the new-built automatic Euromax Terminal at Rotterdam. She is scheduled to arrive later this evening at the Yangtzehaven, Rotterdam.

COSCO CHINA

Today's Ship of the Day is the Cosco China (IMO: 9305465, Port of Registry: Monrovia, Liberia), which is a container vessel of 335 meters long, 43 meters wide, and a teu capacity of 8,200. These dimensions give the vessel a deadweight tonnage of 100,800. She is currently sailing for E.R. Schiffahrt Germany on the China - Europe loop.

The Cosco China is scheduled to arrive later this evening at the ECT Delta Terminal, Rotterdam from Singapore. She is expected to depart tomorrow evening with destination Felixstowe and is scheduled to return to Rotterdam within two months.

NYK OLYMPUS

The NYK Olympus (IMO: 9312975, Port of Registry: Panama) was built in 2007 at IHI corporation shipyard, Japan and is currently operated by Columbia Shipmanagement. The vessel is 336 metres long, 46 metres wide and has a maximum TEU capacity of 9,120 of which 600 reefer containers. These dimensions give the vessel a gross tonnage of 98,799. She is propelled by a Sulzer 12RT-flex96C engine which delivers a power output of 68,200 kW. She has a maximum speed of 24.5 knots. Although not as large as the NYK vessels Vesta, Vega, Venus and Virgo, the NYK Olympus is still one of the largest containervessels currently sailing. The NYK Olympus arrived last night from Jeddah on the EU3-loop. She will leave within 48 hours with destination Hamburg and will return to Rotterdam in about two months.

Source: Shipspotting.com Copyright: Derek Sands

EUGEN MAERSK

The Eugen Maersk (IMO: 9321550, Port of Registry: Randers, Denmark) is, together with her sisters (amongst others) 'Emma Maersk', 'Estelle Maersk', 'Evelyn Maersk' and 'Ebba Maersk', the largest containership ever with a total teu capacity 11,000 teu (of which 1,000 forty foot reefer containers) according to the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group. A total capacity of 13,500 teu is also possible when containers are not fully loaded. This capacity is possible by stacking the containers in 22 rows wide. Maersk calculates the teu capacity with loaded containers. The vessel is 397 meters long, 56 meters wide, has a depth of 30 meters and a deadweigth of 156,907 tons. Amazingly, all this size and capacity requires a crew of only 13. The specially designed Wärtsilä diesel engine delivers 80,000 kW. A waste heat recovery system is installed to optimize the use of the energy produced, so that the engine can deliver up to 90,000 kW. The vessels in this series will also establish new standards for safety and environmental responsibility. Environmentally-safe silicone paint, for example, is used on the hull, below the water line, reducing water resistance, and thereby fuel consumption, by 1,200 tons per year. The ship was delivered by Odense Steel Shipyard Ltd in 2008 as the seventh and last ship in Maersk's PS-class.

The Eugen Maersk arrived this morning at the APM terminal, Rotterdam from Algeciras. Tomorrow, the vessel will set sail for Bremerhaven. She will return within two months to Rotterdam.

HOEGH OSLO

Today we have the Hoegh Oslo (IMO: 9382396, Port of Registry: Oslo) featuring as the Ship of the Day. The Hoegh Oslo is a vehicle carrier capable of transporting 5.200 cars. This 180 metres long, 32 metres wide vessel was built in 2007 by Tsuneishi Cebu Shipbuilding Japan, is owned by Leif Hoegh & Co., Norway and managed by Hoegh Fleet Services, Norway. She has a gross tonnage of 52,400 and a deadweight tonnage of 16,650 with a maximum draught of 9.6 metres.

The Hoegh Oslo arrived this morning at the Rotterdam Car Terminal with the last port of call at Sheerness.

GRACE N

Bulk carrier Grace N (Port of Registry: Monrovia, Liberia, IMO: 8118267) has a deadweight tonnage of 224,222, is 312 meters long, 50 meters wide and has a maximum draught of 20 meters. She has 9 holds and hatches and was built in 1983 by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Ind. Co., Japan. Until about three years ago, the vessel was known as the Elbe Ore. Before that she was named Frontier Maru. The Grace N is owned by General Ore Carrier Corporation IX and managed by Neu Seeschiffahrt GmbH, Hamburg, Germany.

The Grace N arrived this morning at the EMO Bulk Terminal, Rotterdam from Tubarao, Brasil carrying a shipment of ore.

ELEONORA MAERSK

The Eleonora Maersk (IMO: 9321500, Port of Registry: Svendborg, Denmark) is, together with her sisters (amongst others) 'Emma Maersk', 'Estelle Maersk', 'Evelyn Maersk' and 'Ebba Maersk', the largest containership ever with a total teu capacity 11,000 teu (of which 1,000 forty foot reefer containers) according to the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group. A total capacity of 13,500 teu is also possible when containers are not fully loaded. This capacity is possible by stacking the containers in 22 rows wide. Maersk calculates the teu capacity with loaded containers. The vessel is 397 meters long, 56 meters wide, has a depth of 30 meters and a deadweigth of 156,907 tons. Amazingly, all this size and capacity requires a crew of only 13. The specially designed Wärtsilä diesel engine delivers 80,000 kW. A waste heat recovery system is installed to optimize the use of the energy produced, so that the engine can deliver up to 90,000 kW. The vessels in this series will also establish new standards for safety and environmental responsibility. Environmentally-safe silicone paint, for example, is used on the hull, below the water line, reducing water resistance, and thereby fuel consumption, by 1,200 tons per year. The ship was built by Odense Steel Shipyard Ltd in 2006.

The Eleonora Maersk arrived this morning at the APM terminal, Rotterdam from Algeciras. Tomorrow, the vessel will set sail for Bremerhaven. She will return within two months to Rotterdam.

The Eleonora Maersk seen arriving at Rotterdam at January 24, 2007. Many thanks to Rene Nicolaes of Sea-Ships.com for the photo!

MAERSK STEPNICA

The Maersk Stepnica (IMO: 9352004, Port of Registry: Rotterdam) is one of the latest newbuildings, managed by the Dutch based Maersk Ship management. Maersk Stepnica is the first in a series of five 8400 TEU container vessels delivered and built by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. in South Korea. The South-Korean shipbuilder also delivered another new building, Maersk Inverness (3364 TEU), in January this year. Maersk Stepnica, as Maersk Inverness, will be sailing under the Dutch flag and be mainly manned by Dutch officers. (source: Maersk Ship Management). The vessel has a teu capacity of 8,400, is 334 metres long and 43 metres wide. These dimensions give the vessel a deadweight tonnage of 101,500.

The Maersk Stepnica is scheduled to arrive later this evening at the APM terminal, Rotterdam. The Maersk Stepnica is currently deployed on Maersk's AE-1 loop. She is scheduled to return to Rotterdam in about 7 weeks.

ALEXANDRA

Today we have a 'golden oldie' as the SOTD. It is the, in 1963 built, tug Alexandra (IMO: 5418630, flag: United Kingdom). The Alexandra is with its gross tonnage of 164 only small amongst all the large ships on this page, but since it's 43 years old, it is worth mentioning that she will arrive this morning in Dordrecht. The tug is still in service, owned by Niarcos Shipping, Rochester, UK and managed by G.P.S. Marine Contractors. She is 28 meters long, 7.6 meters wide and has a maximum BHP of 1066. The following towing gear is available:

• Auto winch hydraulic single drum towing winch
• 500M x 32MM wire with spelter sockets
• 2 x 220M x 64MM Nutech polyprop ropes
• 2 x 20M 20 ton tested wire bridles
• 2 x 10M 20 ton tested wire bridles

The Alexandra sails in the extended European area IE North Cape, Full Baltic/Gulf of Bothnia in season, full Mediterranean and the Black Sea. She has entered the Port of Rotterdam this morning with destination Dordrecht and the last port of call at Chatham.

CMA CGM MEDEA

After the exceptional arrival of the SS Rotterdam yesterday, we have a normal Ship of the Day today. The CMA CGM Medea (IMO: 9299800, Port of Registry: Marseille) is an in 2006, by Hyundai Heavy Industries built, Post-Panamax container vessel, capable of transporting up to 9,400 teu. She is 349 metres long, almost 43 metres wide, has a maximum draught of about 15 metres and a deadweight tonnage of 107,000. The CMA CGM Medea also provides passenger accomodation with five passenger cabins. On board, guests can book a single or double room and enjoy the ship’s amenities including a lounge, gymnasium, pool and library along with meals at the captain’s table. Travelers seeking an uncommon cruise adventure between Asia and Europe need look no further. The CMA CGM Medea is the fourth of eight super mega container vessels deployed in the new European (FAL2) service jointly operated by CMA CGM and China Shipping. Her sisters are: CMA CGM Fidelio, Rigoletto and Norma.

The CMA CGM Medea has entered the Port of Rotterdam this morning where she is berthed at the ECT Delta Terminal. She will depart tomorrow with destination Hamburg.

SS ROTTERDAM

Of course, there's only one Ship of the Day today: the SS Rotterdam (IMO: 5301019, Port of Registry: Rotterdam), which will return to her former home port of Rotterdam today for a new life as a hotel and tourist attraction. The SS Rotterdam, known as "The Grande Dame", was launched by Queen Juliana in a gala ceremony on 13 September 1958 at the Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij. The vessel ran a transatlantic service until 1969 for the Holland America Line. In 1971 the Rotterdam got a small refit for permanent cruising and began her new life as a full-time cruise ship. The Rotterdam's career for the for the Holland America Line ended on September 30, 1997 after a gala final cruise. The Rotterdam was then sold to Premier Cruises and was renamed into "Rembrandt". Unfortunately, Premier Cruises ran into financial problems and the Rotterdam was taken out of service. The Rotterdam was then laid up at Freeport, Bahama's since September 2000. After a few years in which many plans for the future of the ship were made, but none were taken into executed, the vessel was bought by the s.s. Rotterdam BV, which prevented the demolition of the ship. In 2004 however, the s.s. Rotterdam BV, then part of the Port of Rotterdam, went bankrupt. The Port of Rotterdam then started negotiations with several interested parties, after which housing company Woonbron and informal investor Eurobalance decided to buy the ship and to found a new company “De Rotterdam”. Now, after a few years of asbestos removal and refurbishment in Gibraltar and Wilhelmshaven, the Rotterdam will finally return to her homeport today where she will used for several purposes, such as used as a hotel, café-restaurant, museum and for educational purposes.